December 30th

December 30, 2011

Someone once said that the message of Christmas is that we are never alone.
Certainly this was the case at the Owens Valley Indian Housing Authority annual Christmas celebration held on Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Lone Pine Tribeâs Gymnasium. Offered as part of the OVIHAâs Community Drug and Alcohol Awareness Program, dozens of families attended to hear the message from Rick Frey on the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse on their community.

December 30, 2011

A local Rotarian will be walking in the 123rd Annual Rose Parade in Pasadena on Monday, Jan. 2. Patricia Ellis of Bishop will be one of 15 Rotarians chosen to be an âoutwalkerâ with this yearâs Rotary Rose Parade Float.
Ellis, secretary for the local district, was chosen after Bishop won a fundraiser raffle, according to Rotary Club of Bishop President Dr. Leo Pisculli.

December 30, 2011

Investigators with the Inyo County District Attorneyâs Office are asking every individual who lost property in the Center Fire to contact them.
Investigator Lewis Roberts said the D.A.âs Office has a list of 20-30 fire victims from its initial investigation, and is hoping to verify those numbers before potentially filing criminal charges against those believed to be responsible for the late-March blaze.
A total of 19 homes were destroyed in the 800-acre fire. Estimates put the cost of damages from the fire at $4.5 million.

December 30, 2011

Allison Mae VerHoef
1916-2011

On Dec. 24 at 5:15 p.m., with her daughter by her side, Allison Mae VerHoef took her last breath of life. Just as she lived her life, she departed this world with a great deal of dignity and grace.
She had a very strong faith in the Lord, which sustained her throughout her life. She will forever be remembered by those who knew her for her generosity and loving nature.

December 30, 2011

Dorothy Vandervalk
1924-2011

Our family is deeply saddened by the passing of our mom, Dorothy Helene (Wyman) Vandervalk, on Dec. 22, 2011 at the age of 87.
Dorothy was cared for during the past six months by the exceptional staff at the Bishop Care Center. Prior to that, she spent her life caring for others. She had two wonderful husbands, Don Wyman and Nick Vandervalk, both deceased.

December 30, 2011

Brenda Lee McLaughlin
1951-2011

Brenda Lee McLaughlin passed away peacefully surrounded by family Nov. 13, 2011. Brenda was an avid fisherwoman and loved the outdoors. She loved being involved in her community and serving those around her.
She is survived by her longtime companion, Gary LaDeux; her children, Ryan McLaughlin of Gardnerville, Nev., Robert McLaughlin of Gilmer, Texas, Rusty McLaughlin of Dayton, Nev. and Ericka McLaughlin of Carson City, Nev.; and five grandchildren, all who will miss her dearly.

December 30, 2011

December 30, 2011

Charles Drew
1934-2011

Twenty-year Bishop resident Charles Henry Drew, age 77, passed away Dec. 24, 2011 in Los Angeles with his family by his side.
He was born in Woodstock, Va. and will be remember as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his wife Leila and is survived by his current wife, Rosalie.

December 27th

December 27, 2011

Construction of a new Main Building at Northern Inyo Hospital has gone from an idea and local bond measure, demolition and a hole in the ground, to a steel skeleton to a what looked like a large white present complete with red bow during the buildingâs interior construction to its current resemblance to a modern healthcare facility.

December 27, 2011

In an effort to rehabilitate the Buckley Ponds area east of Bishop, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is teaming up with a group of local volunteers to clear away huge growths of tules.
According to Bishop resident Dick Noles, who is heading up the volunteer effort, the LADWP has already drained and burned Buckley Ponds 2, 3 and 4 and will be heading out again today to see what kinds of equipment will work to clear away the remaining tules.